Mariah Hammond, Author at iHeartDogs.com

Military Pilot Spends His Retirement Flying Rescue Dogs To Safety

David Tan dedicated his life to keeping the citizens of the world safe. After 40 years of flying planes in the military, Tan now has a different kind of co-pilot in the cockpit. The Middleton, Wisconsin, resident has his own Aermacchi SF-260. This small, two-person Italian plane is used by countries with small air forces and for acrobatic stunts. These days, the feats he’s pulling off aren’t full of barrel rolls and freefalls like something out of Top Gun. Instead, … Read more

Man Bullied By Employer And Paid In Pennies Donates $1,000 To Rescue Dogs

We’ve all had horrible bosses at one point. They’re miserable and their unhappiness seems to soak into the hearts of all of their employees. You probably saw the news recently where a man’s boss thought he got the last laugh, but if you didn’t let me catch you up. Andreas Flaten worked for A OK Walker Automworks in Peachtree City, Georgia. He decided to call it quits last November after spending too much time in what he considered a toxic … Read more

Fran Drescher’s Rescue Dog Helps Her Thrive Despite PTSD From Sexual Assault

Fran Drescher is most notably known for her iconic role in The Nanny. Many people don’t know, however, that just a few years before being catapulted to stardom, Drescher was a victim of a horrific crime. In 1985, Drescher’s then-husband was blindfolded while Drescher and her friend were raped during a brutal home invasion. The trio was at the mercy of a criminal and his gun. “I was raped at gunpoint in my own home by a man that I … Read more

Veteran Tearfully Reunited With Dogs He Had To Say Goodbye To

The effects of war are no secret. Many veterans are living with the physical and mental anguish brought on by their time spent defending freedom. For a lot of veterans, dogs seem to be one of the best remedies to help ease their transition to civilian life. “Just from going from a war zone to a civilian life and coming back, you feel totally isolated. You feel totally alone. You feel cut off from everything. My dogs were the only … Read more

Man Miraculously Catches Freefalling Jack Russell

If we’re being honest, we can all agree that most people at a pub lack the hand-eye coordination to catch things – especially a dog falling from the sky. Okay, maybe not exactly falling from the sky, but plunging from a rooftop. Close enough. This was the case for 29-year-old Adam Ravenhall, who caught a Jack Russell Terrier in mid-flight off a roof. It happened at Mount Pleasant Pub in Kingswinford, Staffordshire in England. The precariously perched pup had been … Read more

Here’s How The Netherlands Has Become The First Country With No Stray Dogs!

The Netherlands holds the proud, new title of being the first country in the world to have no stray dogs. Take a sigh of relief- it wasn’t achieved with any euthanasia! It is estimated that there are about 200 million stray dogs throughout the world, which means we can all learn something from the Netherlands. A little human compassion and kindness can go a very long way! The Cultural Significance of Dogs in the Netherlands Dogs have been seen as … Read more

Dog Falls Into 12-Foot Hole During Game Of Hide-And-Seek

Fontana, California, is home to a playful pup who had a scary experience. German Shepherds tend to have a personality that is unmatched by other breeds. They can be extremely hardworking while they serve alongside police officers, or they can be lazy while their owners feed them crackers by hand. Lexi, the German Shepherd, is rambunctious and mischievous like many of her breed. She was playing hide-and-seek with her owner when things got a little out of hand. The bad … Read more

No Ordinary Dog: The Canine Hero Of SEAL Team 6 And The Infamous Bin Laden Raid

Throughout the course of history, there are certain days that stand out in our memories. The emotions we felt and the historical significance echo in our minds for a lifetime. For some people, it was the shock of losing the King of Rock ‘N Roll. For others, it was the devastation of learning about President Kennedy’s assassination. But, for most of us living right now, it was the horrors that unfolded on 9/11 and the new normal we have learned … Read more

Woman Quits Job. Buys Night Vision Goggles. Spends 57 Days Searching for Lost Dog.

Carole and Verne King were enjoying a stock-race one night in the small town of Kalispell, Montana when the unthinkable happened. The couple had left their 7-year-old Border Collie, Katie, alone in their room at the dog-friendly hotel where they were staying. The Kings returned to their hotel room to find Katie missing on July 20th. A front desk worker thought she spotted a dog running out of the door earlier in the night. It was thought that Katie had … Read more

UPDATE: Veteran Whose Service Dog Was Killed During Wrongful Arrest Receives A New Puppy

Updated 12/15/21: Joshua Rohrer, the homeless Iraq War veteran whose service dog was hit and killed by a car following his arrest, was recently gifted a puppy by a local good samaritan. Rohrer is now a doting dog dad to little Justice Rae, a playful Belgian Malinois puppy. The special little pup’s name was carefully chosen. Justice, because Rohrer is fighting for justice for Sunshine Rae, and Rae as a reminder of the friend he lost. Like any puppy, Justice … Read more

Rescue Dogs Join Police Department And Respond To Mental Health Calls

You should know by now that Florida isn’t exactly on the same playing field as the rest of the world. Things in Florida tend to be a little bit… different. In true Florida style, there’s one police department in Florida that’s making people do a double-take. Their interactions with the infamous “Florida Man” are a little unique, thanks to their special breed of officers. While some departments would be lucky to employ 32 humans, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office employs … Read more

UPDATE: Veteran Whose Service Dog Was Killed During Wrongful Arrest Receives A New Puppy

Navy Dog Who Rescued 53 People Spends Her Retirement As A Pampered Pet

A few years ago, we told you about an adorable Labrador named Frida. Frida worked with the Mexican Navy’s Canine Unit. Her job required her to work alongside soldiers to rescue people and save their lives just in the nick of time – something she excelled at. The selfless pup rose to international stardom after rescuing 12 people following the 2017 earthquakes in Oaxaca and Mexico City. When she was just a year old, Frida traveled to Haiti to participate … Read more

Domestic Violence Survivor Inspires Animal Rescue Farm That Saves Thousands

Sometimes the most beautiful stories blossom out of the most tragic beginnings. Such was the case with a brave mother of three named Annie. Annie McNulty fell in love with Richard Zeleski and his charming blue eyes. Underneath his dashing exterior was a monster that terrorized Annie and her three children. Her daughter, Laurie, described her mother as beautiful but with “impeccably bad taste in men.” Laurie, her brother, and her sister spent their childhood in fear of witnessing yet … Read more

You Can Get $6,000 To Smell Your Dog’s Poop

Okay, weirdos. It’s your time to shine! Omni, a plant-based pet food company in England, is offering dog moms and dads a job that REALLY stinks! For the use of your sniffer and two months of your time, Omni will compensate some lucky participants with over $6,000. What’s the catch? (There’s always a catch.) The catch is that you have to be willing to switch your pup to a plant-based diet and give their dingleberries a little scientific sniff, then … Read more

Child With Prosthetic Leg Gets Puppy With Same Limb Difference As Her

Life has an entirely different set of obstacles to conquer when living with a disability. This is something that 10-year-old Anna Grace has known her entire life. Anna Grace was born missing part of her leg. Unlike most girls her age, she wears a prosthetic in order to walk. However, like any other 10-year-old, Anna Grace has always wanted a puppy. More specifically, a puppy with the same challenges as her. Anna Grace’s mother, Wynne Philippe, said the little girl … Read more

Real Housewives Star Adopts Adorable Disabled Rescue Dog

You may know Caroline Manzo as the spitfire socialite whose personality beamed on Real Housewives of New Jersey. She’s all about her family. Being married for over 32 years and raising three children couldn’t have been easy. Caroline did it, and she still has so much love to give. That’s exactly why she is continuing to grow her family! Caroline fosters dogs that are especially in need of a little extra love. Recently, Caroline took to Instagram to announce her … Read more

Puppy Returns Home After Wild Ride In Stolen Car

A Rochester man was desperate to find his Havanese puppy, Benny after his car was stolen with little Benny inside. Eric Berg had just run inside a restaurant to pick up food. Within seconds, his car and his adorable little fluff ball were taken. “I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. Honestly, I don’t care what happens to my car. I just want to pretend this never happened and just get my dog back,” Berg said through tears on … Read more

Dog In Tuxedo Steals The Show As Best Man At His Pawrents’ Wedding

We all know that a dog is a man’s best friend. If you’re reading this, you most likely consider your dog a member of your family. They’re probably even your favorite member because they’ll never argue over politics at family dinners. Sure, they’ll steal a roll right off your plate, but that beats uncle Henry’s rants about the price of tea in China. One Michigan couple recently tied the knot. When it came time to choose the bridal party, there … Read more

Dog Found Dying On Roadside Gets Visit From Local Four-Legged Celebrity

Just last year, a kind citizen dropping off donations saw what they thought was a deceased dog dropped at the door of the Kentucky Humane Society. To their surprise, the skin-and-bones creature was alive. Not only was he alive, but he was ready and willing to fight against all odds. The miracle dog (and now local celebrity), named Ethan, spent months recovering at the Humane Society in Louisville, Kentucky. They believe he had been locked in a crate for weeks … Read more

Facebook Group Reunites Dogs With Their Families After Deadly Tornadoes

Record-setting tornadoes recently ripped through multiple states. The unprecedented storm left a wake of destruction more than 200 miles long. While the death count is still climbing, thousands of families continue their struggle to access even the most essential items. The tornado – which is estimated to have reached 30,000 feet in altitude – has scattered personal items hundreds of miles. Kentucky, which was the hardest hit, has been littered with pictures and heirlooms all across the state. In any … Read more

Dog Park Dedicated To Soldier And Dog Who Died In Afghanistan

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to be thankful for our freedom. A story that pulls on the heartstrings. Maybe a perfectly timed photo or a memorial worth traveling to see. Whatever kind of reminder you need to remember the sacrifices made to keep our world safe, South Sioux City has it covered. Within the borders of South Sioux City and located six miles Siouxland Freedom Park Interpretive Center lies a dog park unlike any other. A Place To … Read more

UPDATE: Veteran Whose Service Dog Was Killed During Wrongful Arrest Receives A New Puppy

Golden Retriever Safe After Man Arrested For Striking Him Repeatedly

A man from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was arrested after he repeatedly punched a dog outside his workplace. 25-year-old Jon Wilcox was caught on video yelling at the Golden Retriever while he motioned for the dog to come over. When the dog approached Wilcox, he began repeatedly striking the poor pup before he carried him away. The good news is that the dog, named Higgins, is safe. Higgins Has A Bright Future, But Wilcox, On The Other Hand… Sweet Higgins was … Read more

8-Year-Old Donates All Of His Birthday Presents To Animal Shelter

Pulaski County, Kentucky, is home to about 65,000 residents. Of those 65,000 people, there is one with an exceptionally large heart. Jacob Maggard may only be 8-years-old, but he has enough kindness and compassion within him to last several lifetimes! Jacob’s neighbor, Cheryl Sears, passed away on May 22nd. Rather than flowers, Cheryl’s family asked for donations to be made to the Pulaski County Animal Shelter, where her daughter, Kim, is the Assistant Director. Jacob was so inspired by this … Read more

Tiny Dachshund Guards Pub From 20 Feet In The Air

The Three Merry Lads pub is a destination where visitors can take in stunning views while they’re warmed by one of three fireplaces. They can also be greeted by an unexpected host/bouncer. If you’ve ever had a few too many adult beverages, you certainly know that your eyes can sometimes deceive you. This wasn’t the case for one man in Yorkshire, England. The man was out walking his own dog when he heard barking. No matter where he looked, he … Read more

TikTok Pup Delights Viewers By Finding Herself In Surprisingly Silly Situations

There’s a TikTok account that’s making the internet say, “What the fluff?!” The account features a fluffy white dog named Vida who likes to find herself in peculiar situations. Vida is a master of disguise and does an amazing job of hiding in plain sight! The short videos have garnered millions of views and likes. One video that has the internet in stitches features Vida in what appears to be a basement. The camera pans around the room showing a … Read more

Hulk Hogan Says Heartbreaking Goodbye To One Of His Beloved Chihuahuas

Hulk Hogan stands at 6’7” and tips the scales at 300 pounds. What’s even bigger than his biceps is his heart for dogs. The iconic mustache-wearing wrestler is the dog dad to a couple of tiny Chihuahuas that he loves with all of his giant heart. Sadly, one of the Hulkster’s best buds recently passed away. The death of his little dog Duke shattered his tender soul. “I am so sad,” he wrote. “My loyal dog Duke just passed. I … Read more

Man Miraculously Catches Freefalling Jack Russell

Community Raises $38,000 For Child To Get Service Dog

Imagine worrying every single day for the last 15 years that someone you love could pass away at any time. Now imagine that you’re the parent of a child who could die at any second. That’s the reality for one Houston-area family. Heather O’Harra is the mother of 15-year-old Kayley. Kayley was born with a rare genetic condition that causes her to have seizures. They first realized she had the condition when she had her first seizure at just a … Read more